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Saturday, June 14, 2014

Good Movies for Fathers' Day - 5 Good Movies for Kids Featuring Adoptive Dads

Many times, kids who have come through foster care have not
had a positive relationship with their father, and may not have a ready concept
of a kind paternal figure. Here are some kid-friendly films that do a good job
of showing genuine, caring father figures in relation with their children. I’ve
gone ahead and linked the titles of the movies to the Adoption Movie Guides;
feel free to click through.

Admission: John
adopted Nelson. Nelson was born in Uganda. John intends to do many good things
in his life, but is sometimes a bit headstrong. He had expected Nelson to
travel the world with him, doing John’s version of good deeds, but eventually
learns to listen to Nelson’s needs and desires. Dad points: Sensitivity and
good listening.

Chimpanzee: In this Disney Nature film, a young chimpanzee
named Oscar is separated from his mother. He is unable to find nurturance from
any of the adults in his tribe, until he is embraced by Freddy, the gruff
leader of the tribe. Freddy provides for Oscar, tolerates his youthful energy,
and teaches him important life skills. Dad points: Protection and nurturing.

Despicable Me 2: Former supervillain Gru has become a
caring, loving father to his three girls. He even dresses up as a princess to celebrate
one of their birthdays. Dad points: loving and playful.

Kung Fu Panda 2: Mr. Ping, a goose, has adopted Po, a panda.
In the second Kung Fu Panda movie, Mr. Ping shares Po’s story with Po. He
encourages Po to thrive, and remains perpetually proud of him. Mr. Ping is also
probably the most non-threatening character I can imagine. Dad points:
Approachable, honest, proud and accepting of his son.

Martian Child: David and his wife intended to adopt a child
from a group home. When David’s wife dies, he still chooses to pursue adoption
and is matched with Dennis a boy who finds it very difficult to trust that his
relationships will last. David and Dennis share fun moments, deep
conversations, forgiveness, and one of the most powerful statements of parental
love that I’ve ever seen in a film. Dad points: Imperfect but loving,
commitment.

Those are five of the best ones I’ve reviewed so far. Which
films would you add to this list? Which
films have you seen that portray really positive maternal figures? Comment
below!